Stephen de Pledge (piano) and Martin Rummell (cello) in Wellington

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Stephen de Pledge (piano) and Martin Rummell (cello)

Stephen de Pledge, one of the most vibrant and versatile pianists of his generation, is a New Zealander with a worldwide reputation. He is best known here for his Landscape Preludes, commissioned from 24 leading New Zealand composers. He teaches at Auckland University, alongside British cellist Martin Rummel, who is described by the legendary cellist William Pleeth as “a performer of outstanding merit, with a splendid career ahead of him”.

Their well-balanced programme includes Beethoven’s C major cello sonata, a late work of extraordinary beauty and power, then three works from the Russian romantics: first the excitement of Schnittke’s cello sonata; then the virtuosity of Stravinsky’s Suite italienne, taken from the charming ballet Pulcinella; and finally the Shostakovich cello sonata, best remembered for its extraordinary ostinato harmonics, soulfulness, unusual pianissimo effects, caustic wit, and ebullience.